Changes - lee donghyuck, haechan

12

"I thought it was your day off," HyunTae said once both boys made it out of the restaurant.

"It was, well still is. I guess they want me to pass by," she attempted to stuff her mouth and avoided meeting his eyes.

"Who was the other guy?" Aera met his questioning eyes. Her cheeks were full of food as she sat there thinking of something to say.

"Mmembuh," she took advantage of her mouth being full.

"Who?"

"M fee teh, menbuhr," he stared confused. The words weren't clear but he could only guess she said NCT member.

"Which one?"

"Haechan," she swallowed the last bit. He remained unfazed.

"I'm not familiar with any of them besides Johnny because of Yeejin." He placed the last piece of meat on her plate.

"Is he our age? He looks younger than Johnny,"

"He's a year younger than us," she watched him nod understanding. He signaled for the check calmly.

Aera couldn't help but think back to Mark. She wondered if now was the right time to reveal that her brother was also a member of NCT.

She extended her hand to offer her card but HyunTae like always lightly pushed her hand and passed his. He resumed acting as if nothing happened.

"I'll drive you to SM," Aera couldn't help but feel bad. They had barely talked about anything. She felt like she was pushing her friends to the side.

After HyunTae retrieved his card. They quickly made their way towards the SM building. The restaurant was a short distance so it didn't take long.

"Text me if you need me to pick you up," he took the helmet she was handing him and secured it in its designated place.

"Sorry I didn't spend much time with you," HyunTae rolled his eyes with a smile.

"We'll have a movie night soon. Yeejin's already planning it," she smiled at the idea.

"Thanks for the ride Tae," she stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick side hug. She slightly towered over him since he was sitting on the bike. His right arm swinging around her waist to return the hug.

"Don't forget my swim meet this Sunday," he called out as he drove away. She waved until he was at the end of the road.

Aera turned around sighing. She stared at the tall building before she entered. Aera decided to go towards where NCT 127 practiced before she attempted to search for Dream who Haechan said he'd be with.

She could hear the loud voices before she entered. She opened the door without knocking. They would definitely not hear her.

"Ara!" The excited voice if her brother called out to her. She saw the faces of both 127 and Dream. No wonder it was louder than usual.

Her brother wrapped her in a hug before he pulled her towards the group. Almost instantly she made eye contact with Haechan. Her brother sat next to the younger boy and pulled her along to sit on the other side.

"Johnny was just telling us you were on a date," Mark announced, his eyes sporting his typical protective big brother look. Aera couldn't help but let her eyes shift towards Haechan who focused his attention on his phone.

"It wasn't a date," the room instantly filled up with the voices of the members teasing her. Unknown to her Haechan was listening intently to what she was saying. He suddenly felt slightly relieved.